Annapurna Circuit is one of the most popular trek trails, ranking third among all other trek trails in Nepal, so let's visit Annapurna Circuit once in a lifetime.
Annapurna comes from the name of a Hindu goddess of food and nourishment. Annapurna's peak is 8091m, making it the world's 10th-highest peak. You can reach Annapurna Circuit like Annapurna Basecamp with some effort. The circuit which covers this massif is the 'Annapurna Circuit.' Annapurna massif spans around 160 km to 230 km. This depends upon the route a trekker chooses. If trekkers want to take the long road, they can visit Annapurna Sanctuary. Taking the longer route may increase the days and walk, but the scenery and views you will see can compensate for that. This circuit is diverse as it consists of different landscapes and weather conditions. Starting from the temperate region of Besisahar, at an altitude of 760m, it goes up to 5416m in a freezing area called Thorong La Pass. It is a popular circuit among trekkers; many people want to go to Annapurna Trek after seeing pictures of its beautiful scenery or hearing about it from their friends. However, many are unsure about the best time to visit the Annapurna circuit. Let's see the Trek conditions in Annapurna in different seasons.
In this blog, we discuss the Best Time To Trek Annapurna Circuit. So, without any further ado, let's get started!
If you are someone who loves to trek in the rainy season, this time is best for you. The mild temperature during the day will let a trekker explore new trails without worrying about the cold. The evening and night are cool and perfect for campfires and chatting with other trekkers. The upper part does not receive rain because of a natural barrier, which gives you a slip-free trail to walk.
Considering the slippery trails after monsoon rain, the summer trek to Annapurna is not ideal. It is a bad decision because there is no/limited view in the summer season. While most of the upper part of Annapurna falls under a rain shadow(an area cut off from rain through natural barriers), the lower regions are temperate and receive heavy rainfall. March, June, and September are considered wet months. July and August are months with heavy rain. Thus, it is unsafe as there are possibilities of land/rock slides. Trekkers must equip waterproof equipment, which may cost them more in summer/monsoon than trekking in other seasons.
Until October and November, the rain dries up. Autumn is considered one of the best times one can go for a trek to the Annapurna circuit. The days are clearer, so there is no chance of missing the picturesque view during the trek. Plus, the days are warmer, so you can save up space in your bag and get rid of the full clothes, which can also help increase the speed and give more mobility to the trekker. Autumn is also considered best for this trek as it is the safest time, as there is no possibility of landslides.
If you are a trekker who dislikes other people's company in the Autumn and Spring, the winter season is for you. Few people trek this season, leaving you with a free empty route and crisp view. The clear skies give one an amazing sight of mountain ranges, especially the Annapurna range. The accommodation costs might decrease as fewer people are trekking this season. Also, there won't be the stress of finding accommodation due to this.
It is not recommended for people just starting, as the weather conditions could go extreme. The temperature in the upper part of the Annapurna circuit is below freezing points. In this trek, a trekker has to stay 2 days in Manang. It is hard to adjust at night as the temperature is below freezing. Trekkers say the coldest months in the Annapurna circuit are December to February. The winter trek to Annapurna Circuit is also not suggested because sometimes the Thorung La Pass may be closed because of bad weather conditions. With only 4-5 hours of daylight, this season leaves trekkers with less travel time and less stress in finding a perfect place to spend the night. The trekker has to bring extra equipment as the trail can be covered with snow.
A trek to Annapurna during Spring is also a good time for trekkers to pack their bags and go on a trek to the circuit. This is the time when the flowers bloom. From March to May, the scenery is beautified with rhododendrons. The temperature is moderate, which helps ease the trek. There are scenic waterfalls, which add more charm to the beautiful scenery. The skies are clearer. Trekkers can enjoy the view of white snowy caps contrasting with the blue sky in early Spring. Also, Spring is considered the most budget-friendly season as the cost of accommodation, guides, or food is not much.
There may be some fogginess at lower altitudes. Spring is the next best season to trek, so the trail might be crowded again. There is a possibility of unpredictable weather, as sometimes snow or rain is reported in the area. There can be storms sometimes, making it very difficult to trek or stay. The lower altitudes a trekker needs to cross might be crowded with people as it has access to the road. So people can be there to visit. So, the trekkers have to come prepared with pieces of equipment.
Every season, containing its benefits and cons, caters to different kinds of Trekkers. But be specific, according to the data, Autumn and Spring are the best seasons for trekking the Annapurna circuit. People favor Autumn and Spring for the trekker's safety, the scenery, and the temperature.
In this Blog, we discussed the Best Time To Visit Annapurna Circuit. If you want further insights into the Best Time To Visit Upper Mustang, check out our other blogs. You can also explore the Annapurna circuit on Wikipedia. And as always, thank you for reading till the end.
The best seasons to visit the Annapurna circuit are Spring (March, April, May, and June) and Autumn (end of September, October, and November). During Spring, you can enjoy clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and blooming rhododendrons. In Autumn, the weather remains stable, with clear views and pleasant temperatures.
There are clearer skies in Autumn(Sep-Nov), and the dust is washed by rain. Spring (Feb-April) has longer days; the rhododendron blooming enhances the scene, and the lower altitude may have less visibility due to fog in May.
No, summer and monsoon trek to the Annapurna circuit are unsafe as the lower areas receive heavy rainfalls. It makes the trail slippery, and the rain increases the risk of potential landslides.
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